Sunday, October 1, 2017

Scrapbook #3 - The Flag Speaks

With so much discord in our country today, it might be karma that, at this particular moment in time, I found this publication in my grandfather’s scrapbook.  I know from several items of Sig Levy’s that he was a patriot and was very involved with activities around the flag.  So maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised to find this.

The Flag Speaks page 1

Hmmm, I wonder why he included this?  It wasn’t taped or pasted like the other items but just loose between the pages.  Was it a last minute addition?  I’ll never know but it was obviously important enough for him to save.

I did a little research on William Tyler Page, President General.  It was interesting to learn that he was the winner of a nationwide contest for writing a National Creed, which would be a brief summary of the American political faith founded upon things fundamental in American history and tradition.  There were 3,000 contestants and his winning creed was:

"I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principals of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.  I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."

The next page of the publication shows a picture of William Tyler Page.

The Flag Speaks page 2

My research shows that William Tyler Page, a descendant of Declaration of Independence signer, Carter Braxton, as well as the 10th President of the United States, John Tyler, died just a few months after this publication on October 19, 1942.

And then I connected the dots as to why Sig saved this newsletter – he was quoted on page 3.  I’m always so thankful when he marks on the page where his name is shown!

The Flag Speaks page 3

FRESNO, CALIF.  (Pop. 60,685) had a “brilliantly successful” Flag Week, according to Sigmund Levy, Flag Week Chairman, who says further that “Patriotism was stimulated to a great degree and the effect on many towns in our country that patterned after our celebration and also held patriotic ceremonies was gratifying.  I assure you that it has been a pleasure for me to serve as chairman of Flag Week in Fresno and thank you very kindly for your courteous cooperation.” 

I had to laugh that he described the Flag Week in Fresno as “brilliantly successful” – how else would the Chairman of the event describe it?

And the last page included quotes from radio stations across the nation.  KVI in Tacoma, Washington is still on the air today. 

The Flag Speaks page 4

This gives me a glimpse into yet another activity that Sig was involved in and I’m happy to know how important patriotism was to him.




3 comments:

  1. Much more innocent times, alas. The flag has become a symbol of so many other things now, a thing that candidates are forced to wear on their clothes or be accused of being unpatriotic. I fear that worshipping a flag has turned into a misleading test of someone's values and morals.

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    Replies
    1. It sure is a different time. I love seeing the patriotism of years gone by.

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  2. I can see why it was not glued down since there were things to read on every page. Sig was involved in a lot of different activities, not just business.

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